West Bengal has witnessed a series of disturbing incidents over the past decade that have repeatedly raised questions about law and order, communal harmony, and political accountability in the state. Between 2017 and 2026, multiple districts reported cases ranging from disruptions of religious festivals and allegations of intimidation, to violent clashes, land disputes, and serious criminal charges.
These developments have not remained isolated. Instead, they appear across different years and locations, often resurfacing during festivals, elections, or local disputes. What stands out is the recurring pattern of tension in sensitive situations, where local political actors, administrative responses, and ground-level conflicts intersect in highly volatile ways.
Several of these cases involve allegations of violence during religious events, threats to individuals speaking on sensitive issues, and disputes over property or local control. In multiple instances, questions have been raised over the role of local administration and police response during escalation.
1. Temple Locked, Alleged Threats by TMC Goons, Saraswati Puja Denied in School Over Muslim Majority: Four Incidents Reported in West Bengal
Multiple incidents related to disruptions during Saraswati Puja were reported from different parts of West Bengal on Friday (January 23, 2026), including allegations of threats by TMC goons, clashes between TMC factions, and denial of permission for conducting puja inside a school campus.
In Kamarhati town of North 24 Parganas district, Saraswati Puja was disrupted after a faction within the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) allegedly locked the Belgharia Sarbojanin Sri Sri Durga Chowk Society temple. Local Hindu women were unable to offer prayers after the temple premises were locked.
Police reportedly refused to intervene immediately and stated that the lock would not be removed until both TMC factions reached a mutual understanding. One woman said, “We want this temple to remain a common place of worship for everyone. There should be only one lock here, but there should be two keys, one with them and one with us.” Another woman stated, “This is not the property of any one individual. This temple belongs to everyone.”
In another incident, a student of the government-aided Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri College in South Kolkata alleged that a TMC leader threatened female students over the organisation of Saraswati Puja on campus. The student identified the individual as Dawood Alam Molla.
In a video circulated on social media, the student is heard saying, “Dawood Alam Molla is standing outside. He threatened that he would f*** my LLM.” Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College is also known as the alma mater of West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee.
The incident also brought attention to a similar controversy from January 2025, when former West Bengal Trinamool Chhatra Parishad general secretary Mohammad Shabbir Ali was accused of threatening female students with rape and murder over Saraswati Puja celebrations.
A separate incident was reported from Dinhata College in Cooch Behar district, where Saraswati Puja celebrations came to a halt following clashes between two factions of the ruling TMC. Police personnel, including the officer-in-charge of Dinhata police station and the SDPO, later arrived at the college campus to control the situation.
People who had gathered for the puja reportedly left the venue amid concerns over safety. Visuals from the spot showed scenes of tension and clashes inside the college premises, which witnesses described as being turned into a battleground by TMC goons.
Another controversy emerged from Barasat town in North 24 Parganas district, where Hindu students were allegedly denied permission to organise Saraswati Puja inside a school campus because more than 50 percent of the students were Muslims.
Videos circulating on social media showed police personnel stopping students from conducting the puja inside the premises. The students later organised the puja on a footpath outside the school campus.
A man identified as Pradip Chatterjee said, “They said puja cannot be held here because Hindus are a minority in this school… There is no difference between the condition of Hindus living in West Bengal and Bangladesh.” He also alleged that police pushed Goddess Saraswati “outside the gate,” forcing students to offer flowers to the deity on the roadside.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari criticised the incident and wrote on social media, “Has West Bengal become Bangladesh now?” He further stated, “This incident teaches us one thing – if Hindus become a minority, this is how they will be treated.”
2. TMC Muslim Leaders Accused of Attempting to Grab Land of 200-Year-Old Hindu Temple in Birbhum
Tension prevailed in Ilambazar area of Birbhum district after some Muslim leaders associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) were accused of attempting to grab the land of a 200-year-old Hindu temple.
Local Hindu villagers gathered and protested against the alleged attempt to encroachment the temple land. The situation later turned tense, following which police personnel reached the spot and brought the situation under control.
The incident involved a 200-year-old Hindu temple and members of the local Hindu community, who opposed the alleged land-grabbing attempt.
3. West Bengal Hindu Woman Alleges Abduction and Rape Threats Over Posts on Pahalgam Terror Attack, Says Police Forced Her to Delete Video
A Hindu woman identified as Priyanka Dutta from Ashoknagar Kalyangarh in West Bengal alleged that she received abduction and rape threats from Muslim men after expressing her views on the Pahalgam terror attack on social media.
In a video that later surfaced online, Priyanka Dutta said she had shared several posts regarding the Kashmir incident. She stated that while some people supported her views, others abused her and those supporting her.
“When they couldn’t fight with me using logic and arguments, they went to my DMs and repeatedly gave me rape threats,” she said while breaking down in tears.
She further alleged, “They threatened to abduct me from my home, called me on Messenger repeatedly and gave rape threats.”
Priyanka Dutta identified one of the accused as MJ Maruf. Screenshots shared by her allegedly showed Maruf sending voice notes and abusive messages. Another accused allegedly used the pseudonym “Misti Mayer Dusto Chela.” The Facebook profile of the second accused reportedly identified him as a member of the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad.
One of the images shared by the victim allegedly showed the accused wearing an Islamic skull cap. Priyanka Dutta also alleged that the accused asked for her address on Messenger and repeatedly contacted her through audio calls.
She later stated that she was being pressured into deleting the video in which she described receiving abduction and rape threats for speaking against the Pahalgam terror attack.
In a Facebook post dated April 25, 2025, Priyanka Dutta alleged that 7 to 8 police personnel along with two Officers-in-Charge arrived at her residence and forced her to delete the video. She further stated that she feared harm could come to her parents or that they could be implicated in false cases.
Although the original video was deleted, it continued to circulate widely on social media platforms after being downloaded and reshared by other users.
4. Calcutta High Court Panel Names Muslim TMC Leader Mehboob Alam, Blames Police Inaction in Murshidabad Violence
A court-appointed committee formed by the Calcutta High Court to investigate the violence in Murshidabad over protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act submitted its findings, highlighting alleged police inaction and naming local Muslim Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mehboob Alam in connection with the attacks.
The three-member panel, constituted by the Calcutta High Court on April 17, stated that the main assault took place on April 11 in Dhulian town and nearby areas including Samserganj, Hizaltala, Shiulitala and Digri. The report alleged that the attacks were directed by local TMC councillor Mehboob Alam and that homes and shops belonging to Hindu families were systematically targeted and destroyed.
The committee stated, “The attacks were directed by the local councillor Mehboob Alam… the local police were completely inactive and absent.” The report further alleged that Alam arrived with miscreants whose faces were covered.
As the violence escalated, several houses were allegedly set on fire. The panel noted, “Amirul Islam came, saw which houses were not attacked, and then the attackers set them ablaze… The villagers of Betbona telephoned, but the West Bengal Police did not respond… The MLA was also present. He saw the vandalism and went away.”
The report further stated that water connections in the affected areas were severed, allegedly to prevent residents from responding to the fires. In Betbona village alone, 113 houses were reported to be among the worst affected. The panel observed that the homes had been destroyed to such an extent that they would not be habitable without extensive reconstruction. It also noted that many women from the village had taken shelter with relatives due to fear following the violence.
On April 12, Harogobindo Das and his son Chandan Das were found stabbed to death inside their home in the Jafrabad locality of Shamsherganj. The panel stated that they were allegedly killed by neighbours during the communal unrest.
The report also documented incidents of arson and vandalism targeting shops, malls and temples. In Ghoshpara, 29 shops were damaged, while a shopping mall-style market was looted and shut down. Grocery shops, hardware stores, electrical shops and textile outlets were among the establishments reportedly destroyed. Much of the destruction took place within 300 metres of the local police station.
An earlier report submitted by the West Bengal government before the Calcutta High Court stated that protests linked to the Waqf (Amendment) Act had started on April 4 in different police station areas of Jangipur district. The unrest intensified into large-scale violence by April 8, after which central forces were deployed on April 11, followed by additional forces on April 12 under High Court directions.
The state government informed the court that the situation was eventually brought under control in areas including Suti, Dhulian, Samserganj and Jangipur through coordinated police and administrative measures.
The Calcutta High Court had constituted the committee to assess the ground situation and recommend rehabilitation measures for affected families. The panel included Joginder Singh, Registrar (Law) of the National Human Rights Commission, Satya Arnab Ghosal, Member Secretary of the West Bengal Legal Services Authority, and Saugata Chakraborty, Registrar of the West Bengal Judicial Service.
The committee recommended tailored rehabilitation packages, expert assessment of damages and compensation measures for the affected victims.
The violence also triggered political reactions in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the West Bengal government of failing to protect Hindu families, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that the violence was “orchestrated and well-planned.”
5. TMC MLA Humayun Kabir Sparks Controversy With Threat to Throw Hindus Into Bhagirathi River
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir triggered controversy during the Lok Sabha election campaign after making remarks threatening Hindus during a public meeting in West Bengal.
Humayun Kabir, who represents the Bharatpur Assembly constituency in Murshidabad district and is a member of the All India Trinamool Congress, was campaigning for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections when the statement surfaced in a video from an election rally.
In the video, Kabir is heard addressing the gathering and saying, “You people (Hindus) are 70 percent and we are also 30 percent. If you demolish the mosque at Kazipara here, do you think the Muslims will sit quietly? I want to tell the BJP that this will never happen. If we cannot throw you into the Bhagirathi river within two hours, then I will quit politics.”
The remarks sparked controversy during the election season, as preparations for the third phase of polling were underway following the completion of the second phase of voting in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Humayun Kabir had also earlier come into the spotlight during disputes within the TMC over candidate selection for the Lok Sabha elections. The controversy began after the party nominated cricketer Yusuf Pathan as its candidate from the Baharampur constituency.
At the time, Kabir had publicly stated that if the party did not change its candidate, he would contest the election from Baharampur as an independent candidate. He had also remarked that Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of the Congress could not be defeated by bringing in someone from another state.
6. 14 Months After Sheikh Shahjahan’s Arrest, Sandeshkhali Women Say TMC Leader’s Goons Still Roam Freely and Issue Threats
More than a year after former TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested in connection with allegations of atrocities in Sandeshkhali, local women have alleged that fear continues to prevail in the area and that Shahjahan’s associates are still threatening residents.
Sandeshkhali had come under national attention after allegations surfaced against Sheikh Shahjahan and his aides over sexual exploitation, intimidation, land grabbing and control over local economic resources. Residents had alleged that women in the area were targeted and families who resisted faced harassment and threats.
Despite Shahjahan being in jail, several women from Sandeshkhali alleged that his associates continue to operate in the area openly and intimidate those who had spoken against him.
One woman who had filed an FIR against Sheikh Shahjahan stated that she had participated in last year’s protests against him. She said that since her husband and son live in Gujarat and she stays alone, she continues to receive threats.
Another victim alleged that Shahjahan’s associates remain active and continue threatening residents, including through fake social media accounts. She said those issuing threats conceal their identities.
The woman stated, “They say that his ancestral home is here and that he still visits sometimes. He threatens me and says that filing a rape case against Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates was wrong. He threatens to kill me. They are followers of Shibu Hazra and Amir Shahjahan.”
Another victim, Piyali Das, said, “Earlier, people could not even stand at tea shops and ask about each other’s wellbeing. There was a lot of fear. The situation is better now, but under Mamata Banerjee’s government, Sheikh Shahjahan is still threatening people from inside jail.”
She further alleged that the family of her friend Rubin Mondal continues to face threats after Shahjahan allegedly took control of their vegetable market two years ago and got it registered in his own name. According to her, Shahjahan’s associate Mastan threatened the family that they would be attacked once Shahjahan came out of jail.
Piyali Das also alleged that she had been falsely implicated in a case and spent around seven days in jail. She stated that she was accused of taking signatures from women on blank papers during the protests.
She said that National Commission for Women chairperson Rekha Sharma had visited the area at the time and that she accompanied Sharma’s team as a translator. According to Piyali, several women had attempted to file police complaints against Shibu Hazra and Sheikh Shahjahan, but police allegedly turned them away. She added that she later received assistance from BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.
Residents also alleged that Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates had forcibly taken control of land and ponds in the area. A woman identified as Joshna Das claimed that Shahjahan and Shibu Hazra had grabbed her family’s 7.5 bigha land.
She further alleged that when her family opposed attempts to seize the land two years ago, her elder son was killed. She also claimed that Sheikh Shahjahan forced her family to work on his fields without payment.
Local residents said that for the first time, discussions are taking place about organising Hindu religious events and fairs in the village. Although a permanent temple has not yet been built due to financial difficulties, villagers have installed idols inside a hut-like structure.
Women from the area stated that when Sheikh Shahjahan was outside jail, Hindu festivals were not celebrated openly in the village and no temple or fair existed there. They added that the village is comparatively peaceful now and appealed for support in constructing a temple.
7. Hindus Attacked During Maa Raksha Kali Visarjan in Diamond Harbour, BJP Leaders Allege Islamist Mob and TMC Links
Violence broke out in the Kalagachiya area of Sarisha in Diamond Harbour, South 24 Parganas district, after a group of Hindus participating in a Maa Raksha Kali immersion procession was allegedly attacked while playing Ram bhajans.
Videos of the incident circulated widely on social media, showing scenes of fire and unrest in the area. The violence reportedly occurred on the night of April 6, when devotees were taking the idol of Maa Raksha Kali for immersion while devotional songs dedicated to Lord Ram were being played.
BJP State Spokesperson Shanku Deb Panda alleged that Islamists attacked Hindus participating in the procession. He stated that the violence took place in Diamond Harbour, the parliamentary constituency represented by TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee.
Referring to remarks made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee a day earlier, Panda said, “A day before, Mamata Banerjee said Ram Navami is coming and there can be unrest in the state, and the next day Hindus get attacked. These people were carrying out an immersion procession of Maa Kali, wearing saffron clothes.”
He further alleged that Hindu homes were set on fire and described the situation in the area as critical. Panda claimed that police imposed heavy restrictions in the locality and alleged that even the residence of a BJP Mandal President was attacked. He also claimed that CCTV footage of the violence existed.
Questioning the law-and-order situation in the state, Panda said, “Is this how Mamata Banerjee is going to conduct free and fair elections in the state?” He further alleged that government officials and police personnel had links with the TMC.
Hindu activist Devdutta Maji also alleged that Hindus wearing saffron clothes were specifically targeted during the attack. He claimed that after the violence, police detained several Hindus and conducted searches at their homes.
In a post on social media platform X, Maji wrote that Hindus were attacked while playing devotional songs during the immersion procession and that several people sustained injuries. He further alleged that the attack was pre-planned and claimed that Rapid Action Force personnel were later deployed in the area.
Maji also alleged that TMC Block President Sk Shamim had sent more than 100 people on motorcycles, while another group led by Sk Jahangir Khan allegedly moved toward Sarisha during the violence.
BJP worker Amit Thakur also posted about the incident on X and alleged that Hindus participating in the immersion procession were attacked and injured. He further claimed that only Hindus were arrested during subsequent police action.
The Maa Raksha Kali puja is observed by Hindu devotees as part of religious rituals involving jagran, kirtan and immersion of the idol in water after the worship. In this instance, the puja had reportedly been organised by a Hindu family in Kalagachiya before the violence took place during the immersion procession.
8. Houses Vandalised, Bombs Hurled at Hindus in Multiple Areas of West Bengal After Election Results; Allegations Against TMC-Backed Islamists
Incidents of violence targeting Hindus were reported from several areas of South 24 Parganas district and Kolkata following the declaration of election results, with allegations levelled against TMC-backed Islamists.
In the Charabidya area under Basanti Police Station in South 24 Parganas district, a group allegedly attacked a Hindu locality on the evening of June 4. The attackers were reportedly armed with guns and bombs. Several Hindu homes were vandalised, and bombs were allegedly hurled at local residents during the attack.
Another incident was reported from Bagmari village in the Canning area under the Canning East Assembly constituency. Local sources alleged that TMC-backed Islamists attacked Hindu residents of the village. More than 20 houses were reportedly vandalised during the violence, and several Hindu families allegedly fled the area out of fear.
In a separate incident in the Metiabruz area of Kolkata, the residence of a local BJP leader was allegedly attacked. The house and a motorcycle parked at the premises were vandalised.
Amid the violence, the Election Commission extended the deployment of Central Forces in West Bengal until June 14. The Commission stated that the decision was taken in view of incidents of violence reported from different parts of the state.
9. TMC Leader Booked for Allegedly Raping Married Woman at Gunpoint in Birbhum’s Bolpur; Accused on the Run
A case has been registered at Bolpur police station in Birbhum district against a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader over allegations of rape of a married woman at gunpoint. The accused, identified as TMC leader Firoz Khan, is currently absconding.
The incident is reported to have taken place within the jurisdiction of Bahiri Panchchua gram panchayat under Karimpur area. The complaint was filed by the victim and her husband following the incident.
According to the allegations, the accused forcibly abducted the married woman at gunpoint and took her to a cowshed, where she was allegedly raped. The victim also stated that she had been receiving threats from the accused for some time regarding forced illicit relations.
It is further alleged that during the incident, the victim’s four-year-old child was also present and was confined inside a sack and tied up.
After the incident, the victim attempted to take her own life but was later admitted to Bolpur Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment.
Following the complaint, police registered a case and initiated an investigation. Raids were conducted at the residence and possible locations of the accused, but he could not be traced and is currently on the run.
Police stated that the victim’s statement has been recorded as part of the investigation, which is ongoing.
10. TMC Worker Among Prime Accused in Canning Triple Murder in South 24 Parganas, Claims Family; Political Blame Game Follows
The prime accused in the brutal killing of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) panchayat member and two party workers in Canning has been identified as Rafikul Sardar, whose family has claimed that he is also associated with the TMC. The accused is currently absconding.
The incident took place in South 24 Parganas district, around 50 km southwest of Kolkata, where TMC panchayat member Swapan Majhi and party workers Jhantu Halder and Bhootnath Pramanik were shot dead and later attacked with sharp weapons on Thursday morning.
Police have registered an FIR against six persons in connection with the case, though no arrests have been made so far. Officials stated that Rafikul Sardar has been identified as the prime accused.
Family members of Rafikul Sardar claimed that both he and his relatives are associated with the TMC, though they are linked to a different faction from that of the deceased. His mother, Ayesha Sardar, stated that her son and husband were TMC workers but had no connection with Swapan Majhi.
According to police inputs, the attackers allegedly opened fire on the victims and later used sharp weapons to assault them. Majhi was reportedly shot twice, while Pramanik was shot once. When the other two attempted to flee, they were also attacked. The assailants allegedly tried to behead the bodies after the killings. A crude bomb was also recovered from the crime scene.
Police also stated that the murder weapons have not yet been recovered and that searches at the accused’s residence have been conducted multiple times.
The incident has triggered political controversy in the state. The ruling TMC alleged that the murders were carried out by individuals backed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while the opposition BJP claimed that the killings were the result of internal factional conflict within the TMC ahead of panchayat elections.
State minister Firhad Hakim rejected the claims made by the accused’s family and blamed the BJP for politicising the incident. BJP leaders, however, cited the family’s statements to reinforce their claim that the killings were linked to internal rivalry within the TMC.
11. TMC Leader Sheikh Alam Sparks Controversy With Remarks on Muslim Unity and “Four Pakistans” at Election Rally
A Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, Sheikh Alam, triggered controversy after making remarks during an election rally while campaigning for party candidate Bidhan Chandra Majhi in Nanoor (SC) constituency of Birbhum district ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.
Speaking at the rally, Sheikh Alam referred to the population distribution, stating that Muslims constitute around 30 percent while others make up 70 percent. He further said that if the 30 percent Muslim population comes together, it could significantly alter political outcomes.
In his remarks, Sheikh Alam said, “We are 30 per cent and they are 70 per cent. They will come to power with the support of 70 per cent, they should be ashamed. If our Muslim population moves to one side then we can create 4 new Pakistans. Where will 70 per cent of the population go?”
He also referred to a local incident and claimed that stronger action could have been taken, stating, “If we wanted, we could have ordered our boys to remove those people in five minutes. They would have beaten them with sticks, but we didn’t do that because we have trust in Mamata Banerjee.”
The comments drew political reactions after circulating on social media, with BJP leader Amit Malviya criticising the statement and accusing the ruling party of appeasement politics. He said that leaders like Sheikh Alam were able to make such remarks due to the political environment in the state.
This incident adds to earlier controversies involving TMC leaders and their public statements during election campaigns.
12. Two Arrested in Murder of TMC Leader Ashim Das in East Burdwan Amid Allegations Linked to Cattle Smuggling Opposition
Two persons have been arrested in connection with the murder of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Ashim Das in Mangalkot area of East Burdwan district.
The arrested individuals have been identified by police as Sabul Sheikh and Samu Sheikh, residents of Kalyanpur and Kotalghosh areas respectively. Both were initially detained and later arrested after interrogation. Police stated that discrepancies were found in their statements.
The duo was produced before the Katwa court and was remanded to police custody for seven days. Sources stated that both individuals have links with the TMC. However, preliminary findings indicated that the murder may have been the result of personal rivalry.
Ashim Das, who served as area president of Lakhuria in Mangalkot, was shot dead on Monday evening while returning home on his motorcycle.
The investigation in the case has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Police also suspect the involvement of more individuals in the incident.
TMC District President Anubrata Mondal of Birbhum stated that those involved in the murder would not be spared, regardless of political affiliation.
A forensic team visited the crime scene to examine the area and assess the circumstances of the shooting, including the distance from which the bullet was fired.
13. Ram Navami Poster Tearing Triggers Clash Between TMC and BJP Workers in Howrah’s Shibpur; Stones and Bottles Thrown, Traffic Disrupted
A violent clash broke out between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in the Shibpur area of Howrah near a police station over allegations of Ram Navami posters being torn during a programme.
The incident took place during a Ram Navami-related programme in Shibpur, where BJP workers had gathered. Tensions escalated after allegations that posters related to the event were torn, leading to a confrontation between the two groups.
The situation quickly turned violent, with both sides engaging in stone pelting. The clash continued for several hours and brought traffic on GT Road to a complete standstill.
BJP workers claimed that they had obtained police permission for the programme but said that around 5:30 pm, a group of TMC workers attacked them by throwing glass bottles. They further said that despite filing a complaint at the local police station, no action was taken.
As the violence spread, stone pelting from both sides intensified and blocked traffic movement across the area. Police later used a lathi charge to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.
After the clash, Rapid Action Force (RAF) and additional security personnel were deployed in the locality to prevent further escalation.
A police officer said that the situation was brought under control and forces were stationed at the spot while the matter was being looked into.
BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said that several BJP supporters were injured in the incident and accused TMC workers of carrying out the attack. A local TMC leader rejected all allegations.
Sources also indicated that the BJP was preparing to hold a protest rally over the incident.
Across nearly a decade, these incidents reflect a persistent pattern of political tension, communal friction, and recurring violence in different regions of West Bengal. Whether linked to religious processions, local disputes, or election-related clashes, the incidents show how quickly local conflicts escalate into broader law-and-order challenges.
A major concern emerging from these cases is the repeated allegation of intimidation and disruption of religious and civic activities, often accompanied by claims of delayed or inadequate administrative response. In several situations, local communities reported fear, displacement, or restrictions on traditional practices.
At the same time, the political dimension of these events cannot be ignored. Competing narratives, accusations between parties, and the involvement of local leaders in multiple controversies have further complicated the ground situation.
Taken together, these incidents underline the fragile nature of peace in certain pockets of the state and highlight the continuing need for stronger institutional accountability, swift justice delivery, and preventive governance mechanisms.
